Our Methodology

The Vantage Score Framework

A rigorous 18-category assessment validated against real investment outcomes. We catch what others miss.

85%
Failure Prediction
80%
Success Prediction
30+
Validated Outcomes
18
Risk Categories

Framework Overview

Four Domains of Analysis

Each domain covers critical aspects of medical device viability, scored by specialists with direct industry experience.

A

Clinical & Regulatory

Clinical validation, FDA pathway, adoption potential, and post-market risk.

Led by MD
B

Technical & Manufacturing

IP landscape, design maturity, manufacturing scalability, and supply chain.

Led by BME
C

Commercial & Market

Market validation, competitive positioning, reimbursement, and pricing.

Joint Analysis
D

Team & Financial

Management capability, capital efficiency, runway, and milestones.

Joint Analysis
A

Clinical & Regulatory

Led by Dr. Ravinutala (MD) — 5 categories

1Clinical Validation

Strength of clinical evidence supporting efficacy and safety.

Key Questions What trials completed? Are endpoints clinically meaningful?

2Regulatory Pathway

Clarity of FDA strategy and predicate selection.

Key Questions Is pathway clearly defined? Is predicate appropriate?

3Regulatory History

Track record with FDA including warning letters, recalls.

Key Questions Any prior FDA interactions? How have similar devices fared?

4Clinical Adoption

Likelihood physicians will actually use the device.

Key Questions Does this fit workflow? Will physicians change behavior?

5Post-Market Risk

Potential for adverse events, recalls, or safety signals.

Key Questions What could go wrong in real-world use?
B

Technical & Manufacturing

Led by Aswini Ravinutala (BME) — 5 categories

6IP Position

Patent portfolio strength and freedom to operate.

Key Questions FTO analysis completed? Key patents expiring?

7Design Maturity

Development stage and remaining technical risks.

Key Questions Design freeze complete? V&V status?

8Manufacturing Scalability

Ability to scale from prototype to volume production.

Key Questions Manufacturing process validated? Yield rates?

9Supply Chain

Component availability and supplier concentration risk.

Key Questions Single-source dependencies? BOM cost trajectory?

10Quality Systems

QMS maturity, CAPA history, and audit readiness.

Key Questions ISO 13485 certified? Recent audit findings?
C

Commercial & Market

Joint MD + BME Analysis — 4 categories

11Market Validation

TAM/SAM/SOM credibility and demand signals.

Key Questions Market size methodology? LOIs or pilots?

12Competitive Position

Differentiation sustainability and market timing.

Key Questions Key differentiators? Fast-follower risk?

13Reimbursement Strategy

Payer pathway and coverage likelihood.

Key Questions Existing CPT codes? Coverage pathway clear?

14Unit Economics

Price point sustainability and margin structure.

Key Questions ASP assumptions realistic? Gross margin?
D

Team & Financial

Joint MD + BME Analysis — 4 categories

15Management Team

Relevant experience and execution track record.

Key Questions Prior exits? Medical device experience?

16Board & Advisors

Strategic value of board and advisor network.

Key Questions Relevant expertise? KOL relationships?

17Capital Efficiency

Burn rate and milestone achievement per dollar.

Key Questions Burn rate sustainable? Milestones met?

18Financial Projections

Assumption credibility and path to profitability.

Key Questions Revenue assumptions realistic? Runway?

How We Deliver

Our Assessment Process

From intake to final recommendation in 2-3 weeks.

01

Intake & Scoping

Define evaluation criteria aligned with your thesis.

02

Clinical Assessment

Dr. Ravinutala evaluates clinical utility and adoption.

03

Technical Review

Aswini analyzes design, manufacturing, and IP.

04

Joint Validation

Unified Vantage Score with recommendation.

Scoring System

Actionable Intelligence

Clinical
8.5
Regulatory
6.0
Technical
7.8
Commercial
4.5
Team
7.2

Weighted Scoring = Clear Guidance

Each category scored 1-10 with supporting evidence. The overall Vantage Score provides clear investment guidance:

  • 8.0+: Strong candidate, proceed to terms
  • 6.0-7.9: Promising with addressable risks
  • 4.0-5.9: Significant concerns, caution advised
  • Below 4.0: Fundamental issues, recommend pass

Ready for Rigorous Analysis?

See how the Vantage Score can de-risk your next medical device investment.

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